Stefano Domenicali admits he is under no illusions Ferrari still has a huge job on its hands to give Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen a race-winning car in 2014.

Ferrari appeared to make steps forward in Malaysia, but Alonso was noticeably nowhere near mounting a serious challenge to Sebastian Vettel in third. The team is not expecting to make a huge improvement in Bahrain and Domenicali knows all too well that Ferrari's issues run deep, especially when compared to Mercedes.

"Basically everywhere," Domenicali told the official F1 website when asked where the F14 T is weak this year. "I don't think by fixing one problem you fix the whole performance - so we need to work to have a more efficient car; we need to work to have a better engine; we need to work to exploit better the balance between electric power and traditional engine power. Everywhere! After the tests it was clear that Mercedes was ahead. If Mercedes keeps the pace it will be very difficult to match them."

Ferrari has two world champions at the helm this season for the first time since 1953, but Domenicali believes that will be wasted if the team does not make the necessary improvements soon.

"My only worry - or let's use the word 'focus' as 'worry' has a bit of a negative meaning in English - is to make sure that we give them the best car we can. That is the urgent need, and it has to happen very soon. So far Fernando has proved to be fast immediately. Kimi needs some time to understand the car, but you can see he is getting there. I am sure from the drivers' side there will not be a problem."

Domenicali also insists the team relishes taking on Renault and Mercedes, two manufacturers backed by huge car companies which Ferrari does not have.

"Sure it was more difficult for us - and we knew that. But that is the beauty of the challenge. We have to fight so that we can keep up. We love the challenge - it has always been part of Ferrari's nature and heritage."